INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Country Clearance for Steven Tepp, U.S. Copyright

Published: Wed 20 Feb 2008 07:25 AM
VZCZCXYZ0003
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHKO #0441/01 0510725
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 200725Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1850
UNCLAS TOKYO 000441
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON KIPR OTRA JA
SUBJECT: Country Clearance for Steven Tepp, U.S. Copyright
Office
1. Embassy welcomes and grants country clearance for Steven
Tepp, Policy Planning Advisor, U.S. Copyright Office for February
26 through March 1, 2008.
2. (U) Embassy point of contact for this visit is Economic
Officer Scott A. Smith. He can be reached at any time through
the embassy switchboard or by any of the following:
Office phone: (81)-3-3224-5024
Fax: (81)-3-3224-5019
Unclassified e-mail: SmithSA@state.gov
SIPDIS
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EMBASSY CONTACT INFORMATION
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U.S. Embassy Tokyo
1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420
Tel. (03) 3224-5000 / DSN 224-5000 Switchboard
3. The Embassy covers Tokyo, Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki,
Kanagawa, Nagano, Niigata, Saitama, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Yamagata,
and Yamanashi.
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VISA REQUIREMENTS
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4. U.S. citizens entering or transiting Japan on official
business must obtain a diplomatic or official visa for that
purpose. U.S. citizens traveling with a valid U.S. passport can
enter Japan for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without a
visa.
5. All foreign nationals entering Japan, with the exemption of
certain categories, are required to have their fingerprints
scanned and a facial photograph taken at the port of entry. This
requirement does not replace any existing visa or passport
requirements. U.S. travelers on official business must have a
diplomatic or official visa specifying the nature of travel as
"AS DIPLOMAT," "AS OFFICIAL," or "IN TRANSIT" to be exempt from
biometric collection. All other visa holders, including those
with diplomatic and official visas stating "AS TEMPORARY
VISITOR," are subject to this requirement. Passport type is
also irrelevant. In rare instances, official travelers who
bring a Note Verbale specifying they are entering Japan in an
official capacity may be exempted from the biometric collection
requirement, if otherwise required. SOFA personnel are exempt
under SOFA Article 9 (2) from the new biometrics entry
requirements.
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SECURITY THREAT INFORMATION
---------------------------
6. Please note that travelers to Japan should have a copy of
their orders and official ID card with them at the time of
entry. Also be advised that under no circumstances may weapons
be brought into Japan. Carrying a pocket knife (including a
Swiss army-style knife, craft or hunting knife, box cutter,
etc.) in public is forbidden. Under Japanese law, carrying any
such item in public, with a size exceeding 8 cm in length, 1.5
cm in width, and 2 mm in thickness can subject the person to
arrest or detention.
7. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened
state of alert. As the U.S. Government has reported in public
announcements over the last several months, U.S. citizens and
interests abroad may be at increased risk of terrorist actions
from extremist groups, which may target civilians and include
suicide operations. Americans should increase their security
awareness and avoid locations where Americans are generally
known to congregate. The Department will continue to develop
information about potential threats to Americans overseas and to
share credible threat information through its consular
information program documents available on the internet at the
Bureau of Consular Affairs homepage: http://www.travel.state.gov.
8. Threat Assessment: The events of September 11, 2001 serve
as a reminder of the continuing threat from terrorists and
extremist groups to Americans and American interests
worldwide. This situation remains fluid and American citizens
should be aware of the potential risks and take these into
consideration when making travel plans. The Department
maintains information about potential threats to Americans
overseas, which is available to travelers on the Internet at the
Bureau of Consular Affairs'
homepage: http://www.travel.state.gov/. The Embassy takes all
threats seriously. Embassy Tokyo can be contacted 24 hours a
day at 03-3224-5000 (locally) or 81-3-3224-5000
(internationally).
9. The general threat from crime in Tokyo and throughout Japan
is low; well below the U.S. national average. Violent crime is
rare, but does exist. The Japanese National Police report
continued problems with thefts and pick pocketing of foreigners
in crowded shopping areas of Tokyo. Common sense security
measures are advised for all American citizens traveling in
Japan.
10. Visitors are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance
and to increase their security awareness. Americans should
maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required
travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with
suspicion. Visitors are also urged to avoid contact with any
suspicious, unfamiliar objects, and to report the presence of
such objects to local authorities. Vehicles should not be left
unattended and should be kept locked at all times.
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CURRENCY
--------
11. Japanese Yen. Credit cards are widely accepted at most
shops, restaurants and hotels. However, some credit card
companies may charge an international transaction fee. Using
Stateside credit cards for cash advances is limited and there
are only a small number of ATMs that accept Stateside
cards. Twenty-four hour currency exchange facilities are
available in the customs area and arrival lobby of the airport.
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EMBASSY POLICY ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES
------------------------------------
12. The Embassy's electronic device (i.e. laptop, removable
storage, video equipment, test equipment, etc.) policy states
that absolutely no personal, non-government owned electronic
devices may enter the Embassy. Absolutely no equipment, even
government-owned, may be connected to the Embassy network in any
way without prior approval.
13. TDY employees are reminded that even government-owned
equipment may not enter the Embassy without prior RSO
approval. Absolutely no electronic device, even government-
owned, may enter the CAA unless special pre-approval is given by
the RSO, based on a compelling business need. If you would like
to bring a U.S. government-owned electronic device into the
Embassy, please contact the RSO office (provide make, model,
serial number, and purpose) prior to your visit for a briefing
and approval.
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TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL
--------------------------------------------- ---
14. Visitors should take the airport "limousine" bus directly
to the hotel or the Narita Express (NEX) train to Tokyo Station
and then a taxi to the hotel. The limousine bus counter is
located in the Tokyo Narita Airport arrival lobby. Look for the
orange signs as you walk through the doors from the customs area
to the main lobby. The bus fare is 3,000 yen. The NEX train is
located in the basement of the airport terminal. The train fare
is 2,900 yen.
SCHIEFFER
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